The influence of colour on CRT reading performance and subjective comfort under operational conditions

Performance and reports of comfort when proof-reading text displayed on a CRT were investigated as a function of the text/background colour. Luminances were those typically produced by commercially available hardware and software, and task conditions were designed to simulate those experienced by typical users. Colours from the extremes of the spectrum (red, blue) were shown to produce poorer reading performance, higher ratings of discomfort and a higher incidence of reported symptoms of discomfort than those from mid-spectrum and white stimulus conditions.